Cake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cake
[keɪk ]
Definitions
dessert
A sweet baked food made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, usually with a sweet filling and often covered with icing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cake |
Cake is generally used to refer to baked sweet items typically made from flour, sugar, and eggs. It is often used for celebrations like birthdays and weddings.
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| pastry |
Pastry refers to a dough of flour, water, and fat that is used as a base or covering for baked goods. It can be sweet or savory.
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| torte |
Torte is a rich, multi-layered cake that often contains ground nuts instead of flour. It is usually more elaborate and less common than regular cakes.
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| dessert |
Dessert is a broad term that covers any sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. It can include cakes, pastries, puddings, and more.
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Examples of usage
- Would you like a piece of cake?
- She baked a delicious chocolate cake for the party.
- The birthday cake was decorated with colorful sprinkles.
- The wedding cake was a beautiful three-tiered creation.
- I'm craving a slice of cake right now.
informal
To form or become formed into a mass or solid.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cake |
Commonly used to refer to a sweet dessert made from flour, sugar, and eggs that is usually baked, or sometimes used to describe something that has formed a solid layer or crust.
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| solidify |
Describes the process of a liquid turning into a solid, often used in both literal and figurative contexts.
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| clump |
Often used to describe a group or mass of something, usually not well-organized, like a group of trees, plants, or a mass of hair.
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| coagulate |
Typically used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the process of a liquid, especially blood, becoming thick and solid.
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Examples of usage
- The mixture will cake as it cools.
- Be careful not to let the mud cake on your boots.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'cake' comes from the Old Norse word 'kaka', meaning a baked flour confection.
- The earliest known cakes were simple bread-like substances, sweetened with honey, appearing around 2000 BC.
- The concept of layered cakes originated in Europe during the 19th century when cake pans became widely available.
Cultural Significance
- Cakes often symbolize celebration and milestones, such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.
- In Japanese culture, a special sponge cake called 'Kashi' is served during festive occasions and New Year celebrations.
- The tradition of cutting a wedding cake dates back to ancient Rome, where guests would break bread over the bride's head for good fortune.
Science of Baking
- The texture and height of a cake depend on the reactions of baking powder and the incorporation of air when mixing ingredients.
- Eggs act as a binding agent and provide moisture, while the fat helps in achieving a tender crumb.
- Overmixing cake batter can lead to a dense texture due to excessive gluten formation.
Popular Variations
- Chocolate cake, one of the most loved varieties, gained popularity in the 19th century with the advent of cocoa powder.
- In Italy, 'Tiramisu' is a famous coffee-flavored cake, while in India, 'Gulab Jamun' offers a unique sweet cake alternative made from milk solids.
- Vegan cakes use fruits, nuts, or plant-based ingredients to replace eggs and dairy while still being delicious!
Literary References
- Cakes appear in various classic literature, such as 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', where Alice finds a cake labeled 'Eat Me'.
- In Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet', cake is mentioned symbolically, representing indulgence in life's pleasures.
- Famous children's book characters, like the Cat in the Hat, often have cake-related stories, highlighting joy and mischief.
Origin of 'cake'
The word 'cake' has a long history, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who made flat cakes with honey. Over time, cakes evolved to become more sophisticated and varied, with different types of cakes being popular in different cultures. The modern concept of a cake as a sweet dessert is widespread and enjoyed around the world.